SINCE 1828
sambucus
noun
sam·bu·cus
| \ sam-ˈb(y)ü-kəs
\
\
Medical Definition of sambucus
1
capitalized
: a genus of trees or shrubs of the honeysuckle family (Caprifoliaceae) that bear flat clusters of small white or pink flowers and that include the elderberries
2
: the dried flowers of either of two elderberries (Sambucus canadensis or S. nigra) formerly used especially in the form of an infusion as a mild stimulant, carminative, and diaphoretic but of little medicinal effect
Comments on sambucus
What made you want to look up sambucus? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Original Meanings Quiz
-
- Which of the following is the earliest known sense of the word awe?
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
-
Original Meanings Quiz
A quiz for the pedantic and those annoyed by them!
Take the quiz -
A Green Quiz
How many questions can you answer about the word "green"?
Take the quiz -
Spell It
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
Take the quiz -
SCRABBLE® Sprint
SCRABBLE® fans, sharpen your skills!
Play the game
Share sambucus
Resources for sambucus